Sound the Bell New management as ‘perfect pub’ is set to reopen
APUB viewed by many as a Bristol institution is reopening tomorrow, having been closed for well over a year.
The Bell was forced to shut because of the first national lockdown in March 2020.
As coronavirus restrictions were eased last year and pubs across the city gradually reopened, The Bell stayed closed, causing its fans to worry that it might have gone for good.
Owners Butcombe allayed fears in May by telling the Post it hoped to reopen the pub, situated just off Stokes Croft, on June 21, which is when the Government hoped to be in a position to remove all legal limits on social contact.
And despite the delay to the Government’s roadmap, the pub will reopen tomorrow under new management.
Long-serving landlady Marion Cross has moved on and Sam Gregory, owner of The Bank in John Street, has taken up the reins.
Known for his award-winning roast dinners, Sam has appointed one of his former members of staff at The Bank Olivia Ramsey to be the new manager of The Bell while he oversees both sites.
Pre-lockdown, The Bell was loved for its regular live music nights, lively atmosphere and selection of beers – and its fans will
❝ Having wanted to take on The Bell for the past decade, I’m delighted to finally be doing it
Sam Gregory
be relieved to hear Sam and Olivia don’t plan to change much at all.
“Having wanted to take on The Bell for the past decade, I’m delighted to finally be doing it,” Sam told the Post.
“Olivia and I have always thought The Bell is a perfect pub, so we won’t be making any changes aside from a spruce-up outside and inside.”
The Bell will continue to be a wet-led pub and will showcase Butcombe’s award-winning range of lagers and ales, with no food served aside from crisps and nuts.
Sam plans to resume vertical drinking at the bar as soon as restrictions allow, as well as restarting the pub’s busy programme of live music events.
Olivia added: “We can’t wait to get this iconic boozer back open for business.
“We’re really looking forward to throwing the doors open. The pub has been closed for far too long.”
The pub, which is located at 16-18 Hillgrove St, Bristol BS2 8JT, will operate on first come, firstserved basis when it opens on Friday.